My Brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons. James 2:1.


He came into town as tramp,
Having slept in the freezing cold and weather damp;
He sought food, shelter and some relief
From his desperate condition and grief.


He wasn't a tramp of his own choosing;
He was one because of man's constant refusing
To provide a job by which he could live;
Men were proud and refused to give.


Into the warmth and out into the cold,
But regardless the same story was told -
"Nothing for you because you are a tramp.
Get out into the cold and weather damp."


In the heart of everyman there beats a need
Despite one's station, rank, or creed;
A need that's so very real,
That from head to toe he can feel.


How strange the Master's words today,
As some look at one's attire and turn away.
"Love thy neighbor as thyself," He said.
"Be mindful of his physical needs and daily bread."


But there's a greater need than this:
It is man's eternal bliss;
From the heart to do God's will
Is a greater need still.


So when you see one with the attire of a tramp,
Consider that he's been in the cold and the weather damp.
Give him something to make his body whole.
But more importantly, give him something for his soul.


Gene Griffin
11/17/96